Trichoderma as a biological agent of Fusarium oxysporum species complex and Vigna unguiculata growth promoter

This study aimed to evaluate the potential antagonistic role of Trichoderma in the control of Fusarium isolates belonging to the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) and in the promotion of growth in Vigna unguiculata plants. The antagonistic action of Trichoderma isolates against Fusarium in vitro and in vivo was verified. Seven Trichoderma isolates obtained in vitro were selected for in vivo assays, which consisted of the addition of 20 mL of a suspension containing 10(6) conidia/mL of the pathogenic isolates and 20 mL containing 10(7) conidia/mL of Trichoderma on seeds of the BRS Tumucumaque cowpea variety. Most Trichoderma isolates efficiently inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium isolates. Trichoderma asperelloides (URM7898 and T18), T. asperellum (URM7902, T48, and T20), and the isolates T38 and T30 were selected for in vivo assays, which, according to the combinations tested, promoted reductions of up to 52.61% in plants with wilt symptoms. Plant dry biomass evaluations indicated that Trichoderma isolates promoted plant growth by up to 48.62%. This is the first report on the use of T. asperelloides to control Fusarium wilt in cowpea crops and indicates its potential use in disease management in the field.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the antagonistic role of Trichoderma in controlling Fusarium isolates and promoting the growth of Vigna unguiculata plants. The results showed that Trichoderma isolates efficiently inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium isolates and significantly reduced disease symptoms in plants. Additionally, Trichoderma isolates promoted plant growth.